Ordering / Building a New Caterham in Canada

[Falcouver]

Hello Caterham Nation,

 

It's been mindboggling to me that UK and even USA allowing new Caterhams to be built and sold relatively easily, while the neighbouring Canada not recognizing the same rules and complicating the process. For used, Canadians got the 15 year old rule to import with exemptions which is easier to stomach than the 25 year rule for Americans. However considering new 7s with fresh parts are arguably safer to operate than 15-25 year cars, I don't understand why the Governments complicate the NEW kit building rules while allowing the old cars just fine. But moving on to my main question...

 

Looking to get some up to date info on how to order/build/register a brand new Caterham in Canada. I'm aware of the 15 years old rule which is much easier as mentioned above, but curious to know what's out there for new kit builders nowadays.

 

Over the years I've been reading stories of actual Caterham dealers in Canada from BC to Ontario who have found ways to import new kits. They've been ordering in different pieces and building new 7s in Canada registering in various ways ie using older Lotus 7 vins, homebuilt title etc. However many of them retired and left the community ie the Vancouver Island, BC dealer for 7s with Hayabusa engines and Newmarket, Ontario dealer that was building brand new CSRs that comes to mind.

 

Now that I'm finally in the market for a new Caterham, what groups still exist nationally that can handle the delicate ordering/registering process? Anyone in the process of building a new one in Canada? Let's share our latest knowledge and consolidate all info for "new" Caterhams in Canada.

 

Thank you,

 

[Croc]

I'm not a Canada expert by any stretch but I will kick off and note that the last Caterham dealer, located in Red Deer AB closed recently.  Terry's website is gone but his Facebook page is still live.  You may be able to reach out to him that way.  

 

The Birkin Dealer for Canada is Birkin Direct, in Eagle Vail, Colorado. Tom Carlin knows his Birkins and I know kits have made their way north to Canada.  His website is here:

https://birkindirect-usa.com/

 

A write up from when I managed to conveniently break down there:

 

 

 

[Falcouver]

Thanks a lot for the response Croc. Unfortunately Terry from 7cars.ca is hospitalized and his assets being liquidated by his family as he's likely not coming back.

 

I've reached out to Birkin a couple times but I believe they're now defunct as well with no signs of activity.

 

I'm really lost for the new seven route, I know it's not easy to build/find sevens in USA either but Canada even harder. I may have to look for used and hopefully i will be able to find LHD cars as I dont want to deal with UK RHD conversions.

 

Did you hear about these guys at GBS Sevens? https://www.greatbritishsportscars.com/the-zero

They seem to use Miata engines/parts which makes building brand new cars easier in North America. Not sure how they're comparing to Caterham but the design looks very similar unlike Westfields which lost the court case and had to change their 7 designs.

 

Thank you,

[Croc]

On 8/28/2025 at 8:57 AM, Falcouver said:

Unfortunately Terry from 7cars.ca is hospitalized and his assets being liquidated by his family as he's likely not coming back.

 

I've reached out to Birkin a couple times but I believe they're now defunct as well with no signs of activity.

 

Did you hear about these guys at GBS Sevens? https://www.greatbritishsportscars.com/the-zero

They seem to use Miata engines/parts which makes building brand new cars easier in North America. Not sure how they're comparing to Caterham but the design looks very similar unlike Westfields which lost the court case and had to change their 7 designs.

 

 

That is sad to hear about Terry.  He was an active enthusiast.  That has to be hard on him at this time.  

 

I just pinged Tom at Birkin.  Its not defunct but I bet he is in tariff hell like everyone else right now.  That is likely to make any kit sale to Canada uneconomic - despite them being on the shelf in inventory.  Their model was to supply Canada with kits from US inventory (and yes they have inventory - I have seen it in person).

 

GBS have a good, well regarded product.  I would check with them to see if they are able to sell into Canada from a location outside the US to avoid the tariffs.  I think their business model was the same approach as Birkin - supply Canada from the USA.  Used to be a great idea but then.....

 

 

 

[Croc]

On 8/30/2025 at 4:17 AM, Croc said:

I just pinged Tom at Birkin.  Its not defunct but I bet he is in tariff hell like everyone else right now.  That is likely to make any kit sale to Canada uneconomic - despite them being on the shelf in inventory.  Their model was to supply Canada with kits from US inventory (and yes they have inventory - I have seen it in person).

 

 

I heard from Tom via text.  His normal way was supply Birkin kits through Seattle but that was pre-tariff days.  I can share contacts via PM but honestly, your better bet will be contact GBS or Caterham and see if they can supply Canada direct out of UK to avoid the US tariff situation.  

[Taber10]

On 8/29/2025 at 4:17 PM, Croc said:

 

 

That is sad to hear about Terry.  He was an active enthusiast.  That has to be hard on him at this time.  

 

 

Plus one on what Croc said!  Also disappointing to hear this in another thread--Terry deserves a thread of his own, in my opinion, for all that he did for Caterhams in Canada and Caterhams that visited Canada--only once in my personal case.  He was a great host and he will be missed.

[jbcollier]

+100%

 

I bought my Lotus Seven through him, absolute class act.

[jbcollier]

You can bring in a new Caterham (well, most of it) and register it in Canada but it is very tricky/difficult.  100% you cannot bring a whole car in, period, full stop.  You also cannot bring in a built-up chassis, period, full stop.

 

You can bring in parts and assemble it yourself.  The parts cannot be all in same shipment, nor from the same supplier.  Ideally you would bring in the chassis, suspension parts, interior, etc from Caterham — all in separate, spaced-out, shipments! — and build it up with a local drivetrain.  You could then register it as a homebuild with an assigned VIN.

 

It is very easy to do it wrong and have the whole thing seized by customs.  I have seen it happen.  This is why Caterham is just not interested in being officially involved.  So, buy the Caterham and have someone in the UK disassemble it and ship the pieces to you — you remember though, not in one shipment or several closely-timed shipments!!
 

Homebuilds are regulated provincially.  You need to study your local regs and see what is, and what isn’t allowed.  For example, one way that some provinces allow is a re-bodying an older car.  So buy an old Mercury Capri and use its driveline and VIN on a new Caterham chassis, suspension, etc.

 

 

[Falcouver]

Thanks a lot for the tips on how to build a new Caterham here in Canada @jbcollier ! My question is, wouldnt the chassis I bring in from a disassembled Caterham in UK have a VIN already? How would I use the VIN of an old Capri in Canada on a new Caterham chassis in this example ?

[jbcollier]

AFAIK, new chassis have a body number stamped but that is not the VIN.  You are going to have to carefully read the Ontario regulations around home builds.  Perhaps talk to a local hot-rod builder.

Edited September 19 by jbcollier

[desr]

My understanding but i cannot confirm as i did not go this route is that any chassis that has a number (as in the factory number from Caterham) is considered a non starter from transport Canada's perspective unless it is over 15 years old. My car was built by the folks in BC and has no Caterham number on the attached plate, only an assigned VIN from the province of BC. When I inquired with Caterham about ordering a chassis without an assigned number from the factory they stated that it was not possible to do that. Whether someone with a connection or history with the factory is/was able to make that happen is an open question as they don't appear to be in business any more. 

[mrmustang]

On 9/18/2025 at 9:39 PM, Falcouver said:

Thanks a lot for the tips on how to build a new Caterham here in Canada @jbcollier ! My question is, wouldnt the chassis I bring in from a disassembled Caterham in UK have a VIN already? How would I use the VIN of an old Capri in Canada on a new Caterham chassis in this example ?

https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/importing-vehicle/importing-older-vehicles-canada

 

The bottom line with Trans Canada importation is the paperwork, or the paper trail from birth to import. If you have this information, yes, it is my understanding working with Cobra replicas, a 15 year old or older Caterham can essentially be imported as a running, driving vehicle. Where you get in to trouble, as many Cobra replica buyers in Canada have found out, it is not what the car is titled as (IE: 1965 Ford 2dr convertible in some cases with Cobras), but the original manufacturers documentation showing the date of manufacture. 

The above link will give you the basics, warnings as well about rebuilt or RHD (depends on the providence).

They also specifically give you the following:

"For vintage replica vehicles, the age is assessed using the final date of completion of the replica, not the model year it replicates. If an importer is unable to provide valid proof of age to establish a vehicle’s non-regulated status, CBSA officers will assess a vehicle for importation according to normal guidelines, which can result in its denial at the Canadian border if the vehicle does not comply."  This may or may not come in to play, as Caterham is not building replicas, but ongoing production of their cars. So, depending on your local providence, you might be able to import a 15 year old Caterham after all. Your best bet is to contact your local authorities and see if they will allow the car on the road once it is imported. 

 

Have I gone full circle yet?

 

Bill

[desr]

There are folks on the Caterham Canada facebook group that have imported complete cars. One is in progress as i write this. i was referencing bringing in a kit to be assembled in Canada. from my recollection in calls with Terry Johns, as long as the frame doesn't have a VIN then its just a bunch of parts as opposed to a kit to be assembled. Maybe the folks in the US who import kits might know something but in the end it's a mugs game dealing with Transport Canada and documentation is everything.

[theDreamer]

On 9/18/2025 at 9:49 PM, jbcollier said:

AFAIK, new chassis have a body number stamped but that is not the VIN.  You are going to have to carefully read the Ontario regulations around home builds.  Perhaps talk to a local hot-rod builder.

JB, all Caterham built chassis have a VIN stamped on them. The newer cars VIN is stamped on the upper frame rail in front of the pedal box. (See image of blue car.)

Earlier Caterhams like mine have the VIN stamped on the rear most upper pedal box cross member. (See image of our Purple Reign)

In some cases the pedal box cover has been modified to reveal the VIN without the need to remover the cover. (See Sevens & Classics image)

It used to be that if you ordered a replacement frame (like from Arch Motors) you had to send them the pieces that had the stamped VIN number and in some cases the chassis number.

 

 

8 hours ago, desr said:

My understanding but i cannot confirm as i did not go this route is that any chassis that has a number (as in the factory number from Caterham) is considered a non starter from transport Canada's perspective unless it is over 15 years old. My car was built by the folks in BC and has no Caterham number on the attached plate, only an assigned VIN from the province of BC. When I inquired with Caterham about ordering a chassis without an assigned number from the factory they stated that it was not possible to do that. Whether someone with a connection or history with the factory is/was able to make that happen is an open question as they don't appear to be in business any more. 

 

You are correct on both counts. I believe that Super 7 Cars Inc. formerly of British Columbia bought parts which included frames that did not have a VIN associated with them. All the cars they built had a VIN stamped onto their own VIN plate. (See Super 7 Cars VIN image.) Those 17 characters are unique to the BC built cars.

You should check to see if a matching VIN was stamped on the pedal box, frame rail or some other place.

As to Falcouver’s ongoing questions re: bringing a new kit into Canada, it will never happen! As previously stated either buy a car which you can prove has been registered somewhere over 15 years and import it legally. Or, bring in all the parts in small groups and be sure the chassis does not have a VIN associated with it. You can then go through everything that hot rodders do to get a car registered in Ontario.

The United States is altogether different. Some States use the year a kit was produced. Some the year it was registered and still others the year it is supposed to replicate. This can cause issues when trying to import a car form the States into Canada. It has to have been first registered for the road over 15 years ago and the information on the documentation must match the  description of and VIN on the car. Some authentic vintage Lotus Sevens may be granted exceptions but not Caterhams.

 

Edited Tuesday at 03:28 AM by theDreamer
Spellcheck

[desr]

Ha! the last example to published was from my car...number .....28. I believe it was the last one built.

[theDreamer]

5 hours ago, desr said:

Ha! the last example to published was from my car...number .....28. I believe it was the last one built.

Yes it is and that’s because it was the only example of a Super 7 Cars Inc. I could find from on-line “For Sale” ads.

There seems to be some dispute as to how many cars were built. Some claim they started at 001 while others say 010. Some think they only built bike engine cars but your car proves those people wrong.

It is my understanding that he ordered kits specific to his purpose. Meaning these kits were missing a lot of parts that would have come in a standard Knocked Down Kit. It may be that none of his cars have any factory stampings whether it be a chassis I.D. # or other.

[desr]

https://www.7cars.ca/PDFS/08SV-R 210.pdf

 

Here is the link to what they offered, pretty much describes my car with the exception of a 1.6 Sigma engine vs 2.0 Duratec. Looks like a complete "Caterham" car to me

[jbcollier]

If you read that you’ll see he had another engineering company involved to meet the required Canadian standards.  Way back in the 80s, the shop I worked at brought new Citroen CXs into Canada.  Mostly diesel-powered to simplify things.  They had an engineering company certify the required mods (bumpers, lighting, etc) were done to spec.